Stags land Diamond signing

12 May 2017

Mansfield Town have today continued their recruitment with the outstanding capture of former Northampton Town defender Zander Diamond.

After the Cobblers’ Player of the Year for the 2016/17 season turned down a new deal at Sixfields and multiple clubs from the EFL and Scottish Premier League, manager Steve Evans swooped to bring him to One Call Stadium, much to the disappointment of several bidders.

The 6ft 2in central defender began his career with Scottish side Aberdeen in 2003 and spent eight years at the Pittodrie Stadium.

The former Scotland under 21 international made over 200 appearances for The Dons before joining Oldham Athletic for a solitary season in 2011.

After the expiration of his contract at Boundary Park, Diamond signed for then-League Two club Burton Albion.

He was part of the Brewers side who finished in the League Two play-offs for two consecutive years.

Halfway through the 2013/14 campaign, the 32-year-old made the switch to Northampton after being headhunted by then-manager Chris Wilder and in turn helped them to preserve their EFL status.

The Cobblers then secured a mid-table finish in 2014/15, with Diamond a rock of the defence, before embarking on their memorable 2015/16 campaign.

Diamond played 39 times in the Cobblers’ League Two title-winning season as Chris Wilder’s men won the division by 13 points.

Last season, Northampton enjoyed a solid first season in the third tier of English football as they secured a 15th-placed finish.

The imposing central defender made 45 appearances in all competitions and was a stand-out performer for Justin Edinburgh’s side.

He was voted as the club’s Player of the Season at their Annual Awards Dinner but then decided on a new challenge.

Stags' manager Steve Evans said: "I was absolutely delighted to receive a call late last night from Zander Diamond to confirm that he wanted to be part of what we’re trying to build at the One Call Stadium.

"I became very aware, not only from the representatives of the lad, but from other managers who I speak to on a regular basis, that we were in a fight to secure the services of the big man and against a host of EFL clubs, mainly in League One, but in League Two and of course in the Scottish Premier League.

"Our supporters, of course, will know him. He is a dominant centre-back who is vociferous on the pitch, a leader of men. Not only is he Northampton Town’s current Player of the Year, but he is still highly ambitious and wants to be involved in another promotion campaign after his great success under my good friend Chris Wilder."

Diamond’s deal at One Call Stadium will run from 01 July and is subject to EFL ratification.

Stags PlayerHD subscribers can view Zander's first interview at the club.

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